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If you have ever had a migraine then you know how debilitating it can be. It is also one of the most common maladies facing Americans today, with migraines affecting roughly 39 million people in the U.S. each year.
Fortunately, there are now a number of effective treatments and Holy Name has emerged as a leader in providing relief through these successful therapies.
"There are several treatments, given orally, through injections or infusions, that are capable of relieving the pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraines," says Dr. James Charles, a neurologist and director of Holy Name’s Headache Treatment Program.
A migraine is a severe headache with throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting or extreme sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms can last for hours, or even days.
The latest generation of migraine treatments includes medications that block specific proteins, called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which cause inflammation and pain in the area around the brain stem.
Most therapies given to address CGRP work to prevent migraines but some can also be used after a headache begins. Popular medications include VYEPTI, given intravenously every three months, and QULIPTA and Nurtec ODT, which are both taken orally as a preventative. Nurtec ODT and UBRELVY, another common oral medication, can be taken to treat a migraine once it starts.
"Not all medications work for every person, and we rely on our clinical experience to help determine an effective treatment tailored to the needs of each patient."
Many patients are eagerly awaiting the release of the newest migraine medicine, a nasal spray for people who can’t take oral medications due to nausea. This breakthrough drug, Zavzpret, has been praised by the medical press throughout its development, but will first be available for prescription in July 2023.
"Migraines are a treatable condition, and yet so many people struggle with them for years before receiving the right medication. Holy Name is at the forefront of advanced headache therapies and we can help anyone suffering with migraines find the treatment that's right for them."
